BOCES

BOCES sought a comprehensive website overhaul to achieve the following goals:

• Streamline Navigation: Simplify site structure to improve accessibility for diverse users.
• Boost Engagement: Enhance user experience to encourage student enrollment and facilitate information discovery.
• Empower Staff: Provide tools for BOCES staff to manage content independently, ensuring the site remains dynamic and up-to-date.

Modernize Design: Create a visually appealing site that aligns with BOCES’ branding while incorporating contemporary design trends.

Lounge Lizard adopted a collaborative and data-driven approach to redesigning BOCES’ website:

1. Discovery and Planning

We analyzed BOCES’ existing site and user behavior to identify pain points. Using Slickplan, we developed a streamlined sitemap, simplifying the site’s structure to enhance user flow. Through workshops and feedback sessions, we ensured the new site met the needs of BOCES’ diverse user base.

2. Dynamic Website Development

Built on WordPress, the redesigned site features a custom dynamic page builder, enabling BOCES to create and manage pages easily. Key functionalities include:

• Jump Links for seamless navigation within pages.
• Sticky Widgets to highlight critical resources.
• A custom event plugin that allows users to filter events by category.

3. Collaborative Design Process

To maintain alignment with BOCES’ goals, we held weekly or bi-weekly calls to share progress and gather feedback. By designing core pages and training BOCES staff on the CMS, we empowered them to build additional pages independently, optimizing project costs.

4. Modern Visual Design

We incorporated BOCES’ signature logo and color palette, enhancing it with dynamic visuals like video backgrounds, fixed scrolling sections, and fullscreen graphics. These elements modernized the site while connecting strongly to BOCES’ brand identity.

The redesigned BOCES website offers a vastly improved user experience:

• Enhanced Navigation: Users can easily access essential resources, from student and family services to staff directories.
• Improved Engagement: Dynamic features like program-specific enrollment forms and event filters streamline user interactions.
• Operational Efficiency: The intuitive CMS allows BOCES staff to manage content effectively, ensuring the site remains fresh and relevant.

Since launching on October 1, 2024, the new website has delivered measurable improvements:

• Streamlined User Experience: Visitors can quickly find what they need, reducing frustration and improving satisfaction.
• Higher Engagement Rates: Increased time on page and more form submissions.
• Empowered Staff: BOCES can independently manage their content, saving time and reducing dependency on external support.

The new site positions BOCES to meet its strategic goals, including boosting student enrollment and improving communication with its community.

Lounge Lizard transformed BOCES’ website into a dynamic, user-friendly platform through strategic planning, collaborative design, and cutting-edge technology. This project underscores our commitment to delivering innovative solutions that drive real-world results.